US program to support radar systems installed at F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft
The United States has awarded a $488
million contract to Northrop Grumman
for long-term engineering and technical support of F-16 fighter jet radar
systems, with Pakistan included among beneficiary nations under the Foreign
Military Sales (FMS) programme.
According to an official contract
notice, the agreement covers maintenance and support for APG-66 and APG-68
radar systems installed on F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. The deal is
structured as a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity
contract and includes both U.S. military and foreign partner requirements.
The work will be conducted in
Linthicum Heights, Maryland, and is expected to continue through March 31,
2036. The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis by the US Air Force
Lifecycle Management Center at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.
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In addition to Pakistan, several
countries are participating in the programme, including Bahrain, Belgium,
Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, the Netherlands,
Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Thailand and Türkiye.
Officials said the contract is
intended to ensure ongoing operational support, system maintenance and
technical upgrades for F-16 radar systems used by participating air forces.
The development follows a separate
U.S. approval in December 2025 of a $686 million support and upgrade package
for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet. That package included avionics enhancements, Link-16
data link systems, cryptographic equipment, training and logistical support.
According to U.S. authorities, such
defence cooperation programmes are aimed at strengthening interoperability with
partner nations and maintaining operational readiness.
Analysts say Pakistan’s inclusion
reflects the continued importance of F-16 aircraft in the country’s air defence
strategy. The Pakistan Air Force has operated F-16 jets for decades, relying on
periodic upgrades and technical support through bilateral defence arrangements.
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Observers note that the latest
contract underscores ongoing technical collaboration in military aviation
despite broader geopolitical complexities in the region.
Source: Daily Times